Commercial Architecture January 2018 - 5

EDITOR'S

notebook

And The Color Is Ultra Violet

C

olor plays a much bigger role in our

level. From exploring new technologies and the

daily lives than most realize. One of

greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual

my favorite things to do is talk with

reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet

color experts about how they use color to, often

lights the way to what is yet to come.

subconsciously, create atmosphere/mood, make

Complex and contemplative, Ultra

a statement, provide a dramatic accent, and/or

Violet suggests the mysteries of the

perform any number of other functions beyond

cosmos, the intrigue of what lies

simply looking pretty. I have the utmost respect

ahead, and the discoveries beyond

for people who understand how to select, manip-

where we are now. The vast and

ulate, and effectively use colors and can assure

limitless night sky is symbolic of

you it's not a skill that is anywhere near my top-

what is possible and continues to

100 list of "talents."

inspire the desire to pursue a world

When it comes to color and color trends, at the

beyond our own.

top of the list is the annual December announce-

"Enigmatic purples have also

ment of the Color of the Year by the people at the

long been symbolic of countercul-

Pantone Color Institute, Carlstadt, NJ (pantone.

ture, unconventionality, and artis-

com). First, I'm always curious to see what color is

tic brilliance. Musical icons Prince,

selected. Second, I enjoy reading the descriptions

David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix

that the Pantone people use to explain/support

brought shades of Ultra Violet to

their chosen color. Depending on my mood at the

the forefront of western pop cul-

moment, the descriptions can be inspirational or

ture as personal expressions of

moving, thought provoking, over the top, and/or

individuality. Nuanced and full

flat-out amusing. Since most people don't get to

of emotion, the depth of Ultra

read those descriptions, here's what was offered

Violet symbolizes experimenta-

about the 2018 selection.

tion and non-conformity, spurring

Color of
the Year
2018

Ultra Violet

individuals to imagine their unique
PANTONE'S 2018 CHOICE

mark on the world, and push boundaries through

The Pantone 2018 Color of the Year is Ultra Vi-

creative outlets.

olet, a "dramatically provocative and thoughtful

"Historically, there has been a mystical or spir-

purple shade [that] communicates originality,

itual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is

ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us

often associated with mindfulness practices,

toward the future."

which offer a higher ground to those seeking ref-

What does the color Ultra Violet "mean" and

uge from today's over-stimulated world. The use

how does it "fit?" Here's what Leatrice Eiseman,

of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and

executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

other gathering places energizes the communities

has to say: "We are living in a time that requires

that gather there and inspire connection."

inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of

While a couple of those statements are a bit

creative inspiration that is indigenous to PAN-

much, I have to admit that this year's verbiage

TONE 18-3838 Ultra-Violet, a blue-based purple

struck me as thought provoking. As for the color?

that takes our awareness and potential to a higher

I'll take it any day over 2017's Greenery. CA

Gary L. Parr
Editorial Director

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

JANUARY 2018

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

5
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture January 2018
